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emailposted by Murray on 9 Feb 2010
Relax, it’s Spring! You’re safe to head south without fear of flying into the freezing depths of a Victorian winter. If you’re flying into Avalon Airport, take a day’s detour away from Melbourne and hit the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road winds precariously along the cliffs and bays of the south-west of Victoria and is one of the worlds most scenic ocean drives.
Your first stop should be one of modern surfing’s cradles, the coastal town Torquay. Believe it or not, this sleepy town gave birth to two of the worlds biggest youth sporting clothing labels in the early 1970’s when locals started the fledglings Quiksilver and Rip Curl brands. Today the town is still the world headquarters of Rip Curl and each Easter hosts one of surfing’s greatest competition, the Bell Beach Pro.
Continuing west, the road quickly becomes a winding roller coaster clinging to the cliffs and dipping into the bays. You’ll pass through small coastal villages and side roads leading to natural walking trails with the coastal forests, waterfalls and the occasional Koala sleeping wedged in a tree fork.
By the afternoon you’ll be approaching the Twelve Apostles, one of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles are giant rock formations that have defied the Southern Oceans relentless push of wind and swell over the centuries. They stand on the cliff side and are best viewed at sunrise or sunset as the sun catches the warm hues of the limestone.
From the Twelve Apostles you could easily be tempted to continue along the Great Ocean Road through to Adelaide, But, with the bars and cafes of Melbourne calling, I’m sure at least one of the Twelve Apostles would offer forgiveness if you turned around here.
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